CFB Recognizes Patty Cook and Senator Cory Gardner for Service to Agriculture

Centennial, Colo. – Nov. 25, 2016 – The Colorado Farm Bureau is proud to present the annual Service to Agriculture Awards to Patty Cook, and to U.S. Senator Cory Gardner for their dedication to the Colorado agriculture industry.

Colorado Farm Bureau gives its highest award on a yearly basis to one person from inside the organization, and one from outside the organization.

Senator Cory Gardner is a fifth-generation Coloradan who was born and raised in Yuma, a small town on the Eastern Plains of Colorado where his family has owned a farm implement dealership for over a century. Senator Gardner also received the Friend of Farm Bureau award from Colorado Farm Bureau in 2016 for his work in the legislature on behalf of agriculture.

“Senator Gardner is native to agriculture and the rural way of life. He knows it’s people, it’s struggles and it’s ideals. He understands how to bring that knowledge to Washington and to the legislative process. We thank him for his tireless support of the people of Colorado agriculture and the rural way of life,” said Don Shawcroft, Colorado Farm Bureau president.

Gardner was honored to receive his award. “Thank you for this incredible honor. This means a tremendous amount. I just can’t thank you enough for the incredible part you have played in my life, and the honor to be with you tonight to receive this award. Without you, this country is nothing,” Gardner stated.

Cook is a former CFB Staff member who began her career in 1978, and she served in many different roles throughout her 38 years of service. She helped with countless projects, the senior field studies program and helped immensely with the CFB State Women’s Committee.

“She touched many lives, and tirelessly served the Colorado Farm Bureau, its members, its staff, and all of rural Colorado,” said Shawcroft.

Cook was very grateful for the award and for the experiences she has had with CFB. “Thank you for giving me this award, and for recognizing the years of service I had with Farm Bureau. I know the importance of the award. It’s a great honor, and I think it was so gracious for you to do that for me,” she said.

Colorado Farm Bureau is the state’s largest grassroots organization with more than 25,000 members across the state. CFB seeks to promote and protect the future of agriculture and rural values.